How To Make Ham and Bean Soup

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Ingredients

• 1 (20 ounce) package 15 bean soup mix
• 5 quarts water, divided
• 1 pound cooked, cubed ham
• 2 fully cooked bratwurst, sliced
• 1 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies

Directions

Rinse dry beans and place in a Dutch oven with 3 qts. of water. Bring to a boil; boil for 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans. Return to pan; add remaining water and the next 13 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until beans are almost tender. Add tomatoes and chilies; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.